8th Pay Commission: Salary Hike, Fitment Factor and Dates
Where the 8th Pay Commission stands in September 2026, what fitment factor to expect, how much your salary could rise, and when arrears may be paid.
· 6 min read
SmartFigure blog
Plain-English guides to income tax, investing, retirement, loans and savings in India.
US Fed Raises Rates to 4%: What It Means for India
The US Federal Reserve hiked rates for the first time since 2023. How it affects the rupee, Indian stocks, your loans, FDs, gold and money you send abroad.
· 5 min read
Gratuity Under the New Labour Codes (2026)
Gratuity changed in November 2025: fixed-term staff now qualify after 1 year, and higher basic pay raises payouts. What changed and how to calculate it.
· 2 min read
HRA Exemption: 8 Metro Cities from 2026-27
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad now count as metros for HRA, raising the tax-free limit from 40% to 50% of salary. How it works, with examples.
· 2 min read
New UPI Charges from 15 Oct 2026, Explained
NPCI will charge 0.4% on some UPI merchant payments above ₹2,000 from 15 October 2026. Who pays, who is exempt, and why your UPI stays free.
· 4 min read
New NPS Withdrawal Rules 2026 Explained
NPS now lets non-government subscribers take up to 80% as a lump sum. See the new exit rules, tax on withdrawals and what they mean for your pension.
· 3 min read
Old vs New Tax Regime 2026-27: Which to Choose
Old or new tax regime for 2026-27? Compare slabs, deductions and the exact break-even point for your salary, with worked examples and a free calculator.
· 3 min read
SIP vs FD: Which Is Better for You in 2026?
SIP or fixed deposit? Compare returns, risk, tax and liquidity with real numbers for 5, 10 and 20 years, and find out which suits your goal.
· 3 min read